Smart Yachts Guide to the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025
The Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 runs from 9–14 September, and if you own a yacht—or are thinking of buying one—this is the place to be
September on the Côte d’Azur has a certain rhythm. The long summer days are still drenched in Mediterranean light, the sea holds its warmth, and Cannes—famed for red carpets and Riviera glamour—turns its gaze to the water. For one week, the city’s ports become the beating heart of the yachting world, drawing owners, shipbuilders, designers, and brokers from every corner of the globe.
The Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 runs from 9–14 September, and if you own a yacht—or are thinking of buying one—this is the place to be.
Where the Magic Happens: Vieux Port & Port Canto
The festival is split between two harbours, each with its own character. Vieux Port hosts the motor yacht fleet, a mix of sleek new launches and well-loved models ready for new owners. Walking along the pontoons here is like flipping through the glossy pages of an industry magazine—except you can step aboard.
Across the bay, Port Canto focuses on sailing yachts, pre-owned brokerage yachts, and a growing lineup of “eco” innovations. If your idea of a perfect day is gliding silently under sail or exploring a hybrid propulsion system, this is where you’ll linger.
Shuttle boats link the two harbours, and taking the short ride across the glittering bay is a pleasure in itself—especially in September’s golden light.
Yacht Premieres: The First Glimpse
For many owners, the real thrill is seeing world premieres—yachts making their debut in Cannes before anywhere else. This year’s lineup is set to be one of the strongest in recent memory. Expect to see: Singolare, the second hull in Tankoa’s T450 series; Juno’s 7, the inaugural Benetti Class 44M; Cada Dia, the 20th yacht in Benetti’s Oasis 40M family; Andiamo, from Sanlorenzo, and many more. For a full rundown of these superyacht premieres, check out the Smart Yachts article: Cannes Yachting Festival 2025: Superyacht Premieres You Can’t Miss
Premieres aren’t just for admiring—they’re an opportunity to talk directly to the shipyard team and designers. If you’re considering commissioning a yacht, this is your chance to discuss ideas while the scent of fresh varnish still lingers in the air.
Private Viewings and Serious Conversations
There’s the show you see from the quays, and then there’s the one you experience from the decks of the yachts themselves. During the Cannes Yachting Festival, Smart Yachts opens the passerelle to a curated selection of vessels — from brand-new premieres to distinguished brokerage yachts — for those ready to take the next step.
These are not hurried walk-throughs. They’re unhurried moments to stand in the wheelhouse, feel the sweep of the saloon, and picture your own voyages ahead. Our team will be on hand throughout the week to guide you through each yacht and answer the questions that only owners and serious buyers tend to ask.
If you plan to be in Cannes this September, consider this your invitation. Let us arrange your private viewings — because at a show of this scale, the best stories are told on board.
Tickets & Access
Standard Tickets:
- 1-day: €40
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2-day: €60
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Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 teens): €116
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Comfort Pass (1 day): €110 — includes VIP entrance and water shuttle
VIP Passes: From €335 (1-day for 2 guests) to €1,560 (6-day Platinum) — offering private lounges, concierge service, priority boarding for yacht visits, and gourmet dining.
Professional Ticket (Tue–Fri): €50, with access to business lounges.
Important: All tickets must be purchased online in advance. There is no ticket office at the event.
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Thursday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
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Friday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
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Saturday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
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Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Beyond the Boat Show
Cannes isn’t just a venue; it’s a backdrop. The city’s old town, Le Suquet, is a short stroll from Vieux Port, offering winding streets, panoramic views, and small restaurants where seafood arrives fresh from the morning market.
If you have time, take a tender to the Îles de Lérins—a pair of islands just offshore. Saint-Honorat is home to a working monastery and vineyards producing excellent local wine, while Sainte-Marguerite offers sheltered anchorages and quiet coves perfect for an afternoon swim.
For those staying the week, evenings in Cannes bring a different energy—yacht parties, industry dinners, and chance encounters on the Croisette that can lead to new collaborations or friendships.
Insider Tips for 2025
- Timing is everything: Early mornings are quieter, with easier access to popular yachts. Late afternoons bring softer light and a more relaxed atmosphere.
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Footwear matters: Deck-friendly shoes are a must; stilettos and new teak don’t mix.
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Appointments first, browsing later: Secure your must-see yachts before you arrive, then leave room for spontaneous discoveries.
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Stay hydrated: September sun on the Riviera is no joke—bring water, even if champagne is flowing freely.
Why Cannes Matters
The Cannes Yachting Festival isn’t just another boat show. It’s a barometer for the industry—a place where trends take shape, deals are made, and the future of yacht design is quietly decided on the aft decks of new launches.
For owners, it’s also a reminder of why they fell in love with yachting in the first place: the craftsmanship, the innovation, the freedom of life at sea. Whether you’re stepping aboard to buy, to compare, or simply to be inspired, Cannes offers a week that’s as much about lifestyle as it is about the yachts themselves.
Best of Cannes Yachting Festival 2024
You're Invited
Join us from 9 to 14 September at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2025. If you're considering your next acquisition or exploring what’s next in your yachting journey, we invite you to arrange a private viewing or a meeting with our expert brokers ahead of the show: sales@smartyachts.com
